Collected Letters of Jesuits in China: Chinese Memoirs (Volume 1, 2, and 3)

Author: (French) Jürgen Dormann / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Letters from Jesuits in China—Chinese Memoirs is a foundational work in Western Sinology. It includes 152 letters sent from China by Jesuits who entered China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These letters provide a firsthand perspective on various aspects of Chinese society, a civilization ancient and profound, detailing the political system, social customs, natural geography, astronomical instruments, and technological crafts of the time. They offer a wealth of invaluable primary sources. This book is not only a crucial historical material for studying the Ming and Qing dynasties, the history of religion, and the history of Sino-Western exchanges but also further highlights the positive significance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Eastern and Western thought in the history of ideas. Translating works of Sinology is, to some extent, even more challenging than translating general Western academic works. It requires not only fluency in foreign languages but also a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures, as well as expertise in multiple disciplines such as history, philosophy, and religion. This series of books took eight years to complete from translation to publication, and the hardships and difficulties involved can only be imagined.